On the afternoon of Tuesday 5th June, one of the kindest, funniest and most loving people I have ever met, left this world. He was called George Collins, he was 102 and he was my darling grandfather. As I currently live in Berlin, my mother told me that if I wanted to say goodbye, I… Continue Reading
The Ups and Downs of a Year in Berlin
On 29th December 2016, my husband and I, along with our two children, moved to Berlin. It wasn’t the best time of year to start a new life in a foreign city, but needs must. We were leaving behind Copenhagen – a city that we had enjoyed living in for three and a half years.… Continue Reading
Berlin in Colour: The Festival of Lights and Autumn Falls
It may be mid October, but Berlin has enjoyed a weekend of wonderful weather and colour. And we have made the most of it. Last night we had front row seats to Berlin’s Festival of Lights. We were on a boat tour along the River Spree with our German friends, whom we met whilst living… Continue Reading
Berlin: Embracing German Kindergartens
At 11 o’clock on Monday, 14th August, I arrived at a Kindergarten in central Berlin with my 15-month-old daughter. It wasn’t to be a long visit – in fact it lasted just a few minutes. But this was the start of Cecelia’s ‘settling-in’ period at her new nursery or Kita. It’s an incremental approach that… Continue Reading
France says Merci to my Grandfather
A rather wonderful thing happened last week. My Grandfather, Donald Forrest, received one of the highest French honours for his involvement in the D-Day landings during the Second World War. He was appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre nationale de la Légion d’honneur, by the French President. Unfortunately it arrived too late… Continue Reading
Berlin: Taking the Baby to Work
Last week I attended a workshop in Berlin aimed at getting women who are on maternity leave back into work. It was held at one of the city’s popular coworking spaces. But this one has a unique selling point – at Easy Busy Space you can bring your baby to work. While parents are working… Continue Reading
Denmark: The Danish family connection that lives on
This week I said goodbye to my grandfather, Donald Forrest. He was my father’s father and was just six months away from marking his centenary. He lived a very full and interesting life which included service in the British Royal Navy during World War II. Grandpop was involved in the D-Day landing, supporting Allied troops on… Continue Reading
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